Non-lethal projectile launcher with split receiver

ABSTRACT

A non-lethal projectile launcher (such as a paintball marker) having a clamshell type receiver. One side of the receiver may be split into a front portion and a rear portion that can be independently detached from the other side. This allows the rear portion to be detached to provide access to internal components without requiring removal of the entire side of the receiver.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/025,194 filed Jan. 31, 2008, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for launching projectiles. In one aspect, the invention relates to a split clam-shell receiver for a projectile marker that provides easy access to internal components. In another aspect, the invention relates to a connection between a gas inlet line and valve assembly. In a further aspect, the invention provides a mechanism for maintaining the alignment of a valve assembly with a sleeve surrounding the valve assembly.

BACKGROUND

Devices that fire frangible projectiles are known in the art. For example, marking guns (commonly known as paintball guns or paintball markers) typically use compressed gas or combustible fuel to propel frangible projectiles that break upon impact. The frangible projectiles commonly have a gelatinous or plastic shell designed to break upon impact. Typically, the shells are filled with marking material, such as paint or an immobilizing material, such as a noxious chemical.

These types of devices have a wide variety of applications. For example, a popular recreational use is in paintball games, in which opposing sides attempt to seek out and “shoot” one another with paintballs. Frangible projectiles have also been used to segregate cattle within a herd. Likewise, law enforcement personnel employ frangible projectiles with immobilizing materials for crowd control.

From time to time, internal components of the device need to be accessed for maintenance purposes. This requires disassembly of the device, which can be cumbersome and time consuming.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, the invention provides a paintball marker (or other projectile launcher) having a clam shell-type receiver. In some embodiments, one side of the clam shell receiver may include multiple portions. For example, the side may have a front portion and a rear portion that may be independently decoupled from the other side. This may be used to allow access to different internal components of the paintball marker.

According to another aspect, the invention provides a connection between a gas inlet line and valve assembly. In one embodiment, an external surface of the valve may include a cone-like shape that is mated to fit in inverted flare connection on the gas inlet line.

According to a further aspect, the invention provides a mechanism for maintaining the alignment of a valve assembly with a sleeve surrounding the valve assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will be described hereinafter with reference to the attached drawings which are given as non-limiting examples only, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example paintball marker according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is the paintball marker shown in FIG. 1 with the rear portion of the first side of the receiver removed;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the paintball marker shown in FIG. 1 with the entire first side of the receiver removed;

FIG. 4 is a detailed perspective view of a connection point for coupling the second side of the receiver with an accessory, such as a picatinny rail;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the connection point on the second side;

FIG. 6 is a detailed perspective view showing a connection point for coupling the grip portion on the second side of the receiver with a tank adapter;

FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the marker shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a detailed cross-sectional view showing a connection between an inlet gas line and a valve assembly; and

FIG. 9 is a detailed view showing a valve assembly and a sleeve surrounding the valve assembly.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Components in the Figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. The exemplification set out herein illustrates embodiments of the invention, and such exemplification is not meant to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example paintball marker 100 that is capable of propelling projectiles toward a target. Although a paintball marker is shown for purposes of illustration, the principles described in this disclosure may also be used in other projectile launchers, such as devices designed to fire traditional pellets and BBs, non-traditional varieties of these projectiles, and other types of projectiles, as well. It should be appreciated that embodiments could be implemented in either compressed or combustible fuel-powered launchers. An example of a compressed gas-powered launcher includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,383 filed Dec. 1, 1995 for an “Impeder for a Gun Firing Mechanism With Ammunition Feeder and Mode Selector,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. Another example of a compressed gas-powered launcher includes Pre-grant Publication No. 2007/0181114 filed Feb. 7, 2006 for a “Combination Non-lethal Projectile Launcher and Flash Light,” which is also hereby incorporated by reference. An example of a combustible fuel-powered launcher includes Pre-grant Publication No. 2008/0190275 filed Aug. 15, 2007 for a “Projectile Launcher,” which is hereby incorporated by reference. The marker 100 could be implemented in a manual, semi-automatic, or automatic launcher, even though a semi-automatic launcher is shown for purposes of illustration.

In the example shown, the marker 100 includes a barrel 102 with a muzzle end 104 and a breach end 106. The breach end 106 of the barrel 102 may include threads (FIG. 3) that are received in corresponding threads in the receiver 108 by screwing the breach end 106 into the receiver 108. By way of other examples, the barrel 102 may attach to the receiver 108 with an interference fit, frictional fit, or unitary formation. The barrel 102 includes a bore dimensioned to receive a frangible projectile, such as a paintball. When the marker 100 is fired, such as by pulling the trigger 109, a firing mechanism propels the projectile through the bore in the barrel 102 and exits through the muzzle end 104. In some embodiments, the firing mechanism may include a valve arrangement that selectively releases compressed gas, such as pressurized carbon dioxide, responsive to the trigger 109 to propel the projectile out of the barrel 102. Other embodiments are contemplated in which the firing mechanism ignites a combustible gas responsive to the trigger 109 to propel the projectile out of the barrel 102. Any firing mechanism, including those that use compressed gas and combustible fuel, could be used to propel the projection out of the marker 100. Example firing mechanisms are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,805,111 and 6,526,685, filed May 25, 2001 and Dec. 1, 2001, respectively, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

As shown, the marker 100 includes a tank adaptor 114 adapted to be in fluid communication with a supply of compressed gas or combustible fuel, such as a canister of carbon dioxide or propane, for example. In this example, the tank adaptor 114 is attached to the bottom of the receiver's 108 grip 120. It should be appreciated, however, that the tank adaptor 114 may be located anywhere on the marker 100, so as to provide the marker 100 with a supply of compressed gas or combustible fuel. Embodiments are contemplated in which the tank adaptor 114 could be optional. For example, the receiver 108 may include a port that allows for remote installation of a canister of compressed gas or combustible fuel. In the example shown, a conduit 116 allows flow between the gas tank adaptor 114 and a valve assembly 118 (as best seen in FIG. 7). Although this example shows the conduit 116 disposed below the receiver 100, the conduit 116 may be located in other positions, including internal to the receiver 108. For example, the conduit 116 could be formed by internal passages in the receiver 108.

As shown, the receiver 108 includes a grip portion 120 that is dimensioned for a user to grasp. In the example shown, an optional foregrip 122 is attached to the receiver 108 so a user may grasp with his/her other hand to steady the marker 100. By way of another example, the marker 100 may be formed without a grip 120. For example, the marker 100 may be shaped like a rifle in which the user holds the marker 100 via the receiver 108 and buttstop. In this example, an optional rail 129 is attached to the top of the receiver 108 for mounting accessories, such as a scope, handle, site, etc. Although this example shows a picatinny rail, it should be appreciated that other types of rails or other accessories could be attached to the top of the receiver 108. As discussed below, a portion of the receiver 108 may be detached to provide access to internal components without requiring removal of the rail 129. Likewise, as discussed below, the receiver 108 can be opened to access internal components without removing the tank adaptor 114.

In the example shown, the receiver 108 is of the clamshell type with a first side 124 (the left side in this example) and a second side 126 (the right side in this example). The term “clamshell type receiver” means a receiver that is split approximately along the receiver's longitudinal axis into a first side and a second side. In the example shown, the first side 124 and the second side 126 extend longitudinally along the entire length of the receiver 108. The first side 124 and second side 126 are coupled together in this example using a plurality of bolts 128 and 131. It should be appreciated that other types of fasteners may be used to couple the first side 124 and the second side 126 together. In this example, the first side 124 of the receiver 108 is split into a front portion 130 and a rear portion 132 that can each be detached from the second side 126. In the example shown, the rear portion 132 may be detached from the second side 126 by removing bolts 128. The front portion 130 could then be detached from the second side 126 by removing bolts 131. Although this example shows five bolts 128 connecting the rear portion 132 to the second side 126, it should be appreciated that more or less bolts 128 could be used. By splitting the first side 124 of the receiver 108, the user may detach only the rear portion 132, if desired, to provide access to internal components for maintenance, installation of accessories, or other purposes.

FIG. 2 shows the marker 100 of FIG. 1 with the rear portion 132 of the first side 124 of the receiver 108 detached. This removal of the rear portion 132 provides access to several internal components of the marker 100. FIG. 2 also shows the example connection points 134 for attaching the rail 129 to the second side 126 of the receiver 108. Since the connection points 134 are formed entirely on the second side 126 in this example, the rear portion 132 and front portion 130 can be detached from the second side 126 without detaching the rail 129. In FIG. 2, two connection points 134 are exposed on the second side 126 of the receiver 108 for purposes of coupling the rail 129 to the second side 126 of the receiver 108. As best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the connection points 134 include a recessed area 136 dimensioned to receive a nut 140 with internal threads dimensioned to mate with external threads of a bolt 142 that extends through a hole in the rail 129. Similar connection points are shown in FIG. 6 for coupling the tank adaptor 114 to the second side 126 of the receiver 108. As shown, the bottom of the grip portion 120 includes a recessed area 137 for receiving a nut 141 with internal threads dimensioned to mate with external threads of a bolt 143 that extends through a hole defined in the tank adaptor 114. Although two connection points are shown in the grip portion 120 for purposes of example, it should be appreciated that one or more than two connection points could be provided. As discussed above with respect to the rail 129, the rear portion 132 could be detached from the second side 126 without removing the tank adaptor 114.

FIG. 3 shows the example marker 100 in which both the rear portion 132 and the front portion 130 of the first side 124 of the receiver 108 have been detached from the second side 126. This exposes the internal components of the marker 100 for maintenance and/or repair. In this example, bolts 128 and bolts 131 would be removed to detach the rear portion 132 and front portion 130, respectively, from the second side 126 (bolts 128 and 131 are shown attached to the second side 126 merely for purposes of illustration, but would be removed to remove the front and rear portions 130 and 132). In FIG. 3, an additional connection point 134 that allows the second side 126 of the receiver 108 to be attached to the rail 129 is exposed due to the removal of the front portion 130.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a cross-sectional view of the example marker 100 shown in FIG. 1. In this view, a coupling 150 can be seen that provides fluid communication between the conduit 116 and an inlet port 152 of the valve 118 assembly. In this example, the coupling 150 includes external threads 154 that mate with internal threads of a fastener, such as a nut 156. This action fixes the position of the valve body in place due to tension between the coupling 150 and valve body. As configured in this example, rotating the coupling 150 with respect to the fastener 156 causes the leading end 158 of the coupling 150 to engage the valve assembly 118. For example, the coupling 150 could be twisted in place while the nut 156 is substantially fixed within the receiver 128. Other embodiments are contemplated in which tightening the nut 156 causes linear movement of the coupling 150 toward the valve 118 assembly, which engages the leading end 158 of the coupling into a recess formed in the valve assembly 118 proximate the inlet port 152.

As best seen in FIG. 8, the leading end 158 of the coupling 150 has an inverted flare shape to provide a seal against a tapered portion of the valve assembly 118 against which the leading end 158 engages. The tightening of the nut 156 locks the position of the valve assembly 118 due to engagement by the coupling 150, which provides a direct connection.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment in which the valve assembly 118 includes a notch 162 that is dimensioned to receive a protrusion 164 extending from a sleeve 166 that surrounds the valve. This allows a fixed rotational alignment between the sleeve 166 and the valve assembly 118.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to particular means, materials, and embodiments, from the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of the present disclosure and various changes and modifications may be made to adapt the various uses and characteristics without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention as set forth in the following claims. 

1. A non-lethal projectile launcher comprising: a barrel having a bore dimensioned to receive a projectile; a firing mechanism configured to propel a projectile through the bore in the barrel; a clamshell type receiver comprising a first side and a second side, wherein the first side comprises a front portion and a rear portion that are attachable to the second side; wherein the front portion is adapted to receive a portion of the barrel; and wherein the rear portion is independently releasable from the second side with respect to the front portion to provide access to internal components disposed within the receiver.
 2. The projectile launcher of claim 1, wherein the front portion and the rear portion are separate, unconnected pieces.
 3. The projectile launcher of claim 1, wherein the front portion and the rear portion define a substantially uninterrupted exterior surface.
 4. The projectile launcher of claim 1, wherein the front portion and the rear portion in combination extend longitudinally substantially an entire length of the receiver.
 5. The projectile launcher of claim 1, wherein the receiver includes a grip portion adapted to be grasped by a user, wherein the rear portion defines the grip portion on the first side of the receiver.
 6. The projectile launcher of claim 1, further comprising a foregrip extending from the front portion.
 7. The projectile launcher of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the firing mechanism is disposed between the rear portion of the first side and the second side.
 8. The projectile launcher of claim 1, wherein the front portion includes threads adapted to be coupled with threads on the barrel.
 9. The projectile launcher of claim 1, wherein the firing mechanism includes a valve arrangement configured to propel a projectile with compressed gas.
 10. The projectile launcher of a claim 1, wherein the firing mechanism includes a valve arrangement configured to propel a projectile with a combustible gas.
 11. A receiver assembly for a projectile launcher, the receiver assembly comprising: a first side comprising a front portion and a rear portion that in combination extend longitudinally between a barrel receiving portion and a grip portion; a second side extending longitudinally between the barrel receiving portion and the grip portion; wherein the second side is attachable to the front portion and the rear portion, and wherein the front portion and the rear portion are separate, unconnected pieces.
 12. The receiver assembly of claim 11, wherein the front portion and the rear portion define a substantially uninterrupted exterior surface.
 13. The receiver assembly of claim 11, wherein the first side and second side include complementary portions along a longitudinal axis.
 14. The receiver assembly of claim 13, wherein the second side includes a plurality of spaced apart connection points for attaching a rail to the second side.
 15. The receiver assembly of claim 14, wherein at least a portion of the second side connection points comprise a recess dimensioned to receive a nut.
 16. The receiver assembly of claim 15, wherein the nut is configured to receive a bolt extending through an opening in the rail.
 17. The receiver assembly of claim 11, wherein the rear portion defines a grip portion adapted to be grasped by a user.
 18. The receiver assembly of claim 17, wherein the front portion is configured to receive a foregrip.
 19. The receiver assembly of claim 11, wherein the front portion includes threads adapted receive threads on a barrel.
 20. A non-lethal projectile launcher comprising; a receiver; a barrel coupled with the receiver; a supply of compressed gas; a valve arrangement operative to selectively allow flow from the supply of compressed gas to propel a projectile out of the barrel; a trigger operative to actuate the valve assembly; a coupling in fluid communication between the valve arrangement and the supply of compressed gas, wherein the coupling is movable between a first position that engages the valve arrangement and a second position out of engagement with the valve arrangement; and a fastener configured to selectively fix the coupling in the first position.
 21. The projectile launcher of claim 20, wherein the coupling substantially reduces lateral movement of at least a portion of the valve arrangement when in the first position.
 22. The projectile launcher of claim 20, wherein the fastener is spaced apart from the valve arrangement.
 23. The projectile launcher of claim 22, wherein the receiver defines a recess spaced apart from the valve arrangement and the fastener is disposed within the recess.
 24. The projectile launcher of claim 23, wherein the coupling extends through the recess.
 25. The projectile launcher of claim 24, wherein at least a portion of the coupling is disposed between the linear actuator and the valve arrangement.
 26. The projectile launcher of claim 20, wherein a leading end of the coupling is seated in a portion of the valve arrangement.
 27. The projectile launcher of claim 26, wherein the leading end has an approximately inverted flare shape.
 28. The projectile launcher of claim 27, wherein a portion of the valve arrangement that receives the leading end has a tapered portion.
 29. The projectile launcher of claim 28, wherein the leading end and the portion of the valve arrangement is a direct connection.
 30. The projectile launcher of claim 20, wherein the coupling includes external threads that are received by internal threads of the fastener.
 31. The projectile launcher of claim 31, wherein a portion of the coupling that engages the valve arrangement does not include threads.
 32. The projectile launcher of claim 20, wherein the fastener comprises a nut.
 33. A non-lethal projectile launcher comprising; a receiver; a barrel coupled with the receiver; a supply of compressed gas; a valve arrangement operative to selectively allow flow from the supply of compressed gas to propel a projectile out of the barrel; a trigger operative to actuate the valve assembly; a coupling operative to provide a sealed connection between the valve arrangement and the supply of compressed gas; and wherein the coupling is configured to lock at least a portion of the valve arrangement in a substantially fixed position with respect to the receiver.
 34. The non-lethal projectile launcher of claim 33, wherein the coupling directly engages at least a portion of the valve arrangement.
 35. The non-lethal projectile launcher of claim 33, further comprising a nut spaced apart from the valve arrangement, wherein at least a portion of the coupling passes through the nut.
 36. The non-lethal projectile launcher of claim 35, wherein the coupling includes external threads that mate with internal threads of the nut.
 37. The non-lethal projectile launcher of claim 36, wherein the nut is disposed in an internal cavity of the receiver.
 38. The non-lethal projectile launcher of claim 37, wherein the nut has a fixed position within the receiver. 